I finally got my rifle put back together.I started this project over a year ago and have concluded it.
I started with a win.model 70(280 rem)featherweight and re-barreled it to 280 a.i.I set the shoulder back to get the correct headspace and polished up the trigger before putting it back together
First group I fired consisted of 139 gr Hornady SST's pushed by 56.0 gr of imr 4831 and set on its way by a cci br-2 cap that group measured a whopping .450
I maxed out at 60.0 gr but settled on the smaller charge for obvious reasons
I still have work to do I still want to re-face the reciever lugs and the bolt lugs (back side) and lap them I also may face the reciever face as well but first I will see how it shoots as is with different powder and bullet choices

I have since tried two different powders
I used rl-19 and h4831sc
The reloader I could only get about a m.o.a.at best
the 4831 sc however I shot two separate good groups
one w/58.5 measured .415 and another w/61.5 @ .910
Can anyone recommend another good powder for this cartridge ?
At the time being I am going to stay with 139 gr bullets

Nosler makes brass, custom rifles, and loaded ammo for this cartridge. Check their website and send them an e-mail. Just don't mention the non-Nosler bullets. They like this round.

I don't have a 280 Ackley, but I've had very good luck with Norma MRP in my 270 Win with 150g bullets. Since you're shooting bullets on the lighter side for your 280 AI, have you tried IMR 4350? Also I use Rem brass and Rem 9 1/2 M (large rifle magnum) primers in my 270. For some reason my 270 gets better accuracy with them, but I load my 270 a little warm by the books but have no pressure signs. I get 3000 fps out of my 270 chronographed with 150g Noslers and sub .5" groups center to center.

Regards,

Chuck

thanks fellas
Nosler does like that round thats rite
I haven't tried 4350 but sounds like I may have to